Interactive Digital Platform Offers Links to International Scientific Organizations and Information on Research Opportunities
Abu Dhabi-UAE: 17 September, 2012 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced the launch of a dedicated website for the Chemical Engineering program to present academicians, industrial collaborators and prospective students with a holistic vision of the academic and research focus of the program.
The website http://che.masdar.ac.ae presents a more detailed and in-depth explanation of the current research projects being implemented under the Chemical Engineering Research Program. The unique Chemical Engineering program at Masdar Institute builds on the classic chemical engineering themes and applies them to address challenges facing the society in the areas of energy, carbon capture, novel materials, and chemical production using renewable and sustainable processes.
The program remains vital to Abu Dhabi’s efforts to play an important role in developing cutting edge biofuels and production technologies, carbon capture and storage systems and engineered biological systems for waste management and energy production.
Chemical Engineering is a discipline that impacts numerous areas of technology. Chemical engineers create and design processes for the production, transformation and delivery of materials. Medicine, biotechnology, microelectronics, advanced materials, energy, consumer products, manufacturing, and environmental solutions are some of the areas in which Chemical Engineers play a crucial role through leading new developments.
Dr. Hector H. Hernandez, Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering, Masdar Institute, said: “Similar to other academic chemical engineering websites, our website represents the face of the program to the world with information providing access to current research projects conducted by our professors. Contrary to industrial websites that provide information on services provided, or commodities sold to consumers, our website provides a human interface with the members of the Chemical Engineering program.”
The website is expected to significantly help increase the international visibility, especially through those seeking information on the program or about a speaker at a conference. Additionally, it allows the faculty to present up-to-date information about the program and the latest research projects. It also enables the program to design a strategic recruiting strategy that can be highlighted by using (social media including twitter or Facebook to advertise positions available in the program.
Dr. Hernandez added: “We also feature industry partners and provide a link to their main website or to their news section. It is important for us to highlight our industrial partners and our collaborative efforts with them. We firmly believe these relationships blossom into funding for students, internship opportunities for our students, and a sponsor for the commercialization of the research intellectual property developed at Masdar Institute.”
The dedicated Chemical Engineering website offers academic links including MIT, providing a connection to Masdar Institute’s international research collaborators. At present, several crucial research projects are being conducted with peers in the Chemical Engineering Program at MIT.
Other links that are offered include international organizations such as the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) or the American Chemical Society (ACS). These scientific organizations provide the stage for sharing research through conferences and publications, raising the academic reputation of Masdar Institute.
Being a highly interactive platform, the website seeks feedback from visitors, while also welcoming questions to engage the faculty at a level not possible otherwise. Visitors are also encouraged to comment and ask specific questions about subjects in chemical engineering. The questions could range from additional information on a research project conducted in one of the laboratories of Chemical Engineering program professors, to questions regarding admission and other research opportunities as research engineers or postdoctoral researchers in the program.
Established as an on-going collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow. With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research.
